Luke 1:30

KJV

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the angel {G32} said {G2036} unto her {G846}, Fear {G5399} not {G3361}, Mary {G3137}: for {G1063} thou hast found {G2147} favour {G5485} with {G3844} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Miryam, for you have found favor with God.

Berean Standard Bible

So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

American Standard Version

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:30 records the pivotal moment when the angel Gabriel reassures Mary, a young virgin, with the profound words, "Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God." This declaration serves as a divine balm to her troubled heart, setting the stage for the miraculous announcement of Jesus' birth. It underscores God's tender and personal approach to His chosen instruments and highlights the sovereign, unmerited grace that undergirds His divine purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an immediate response to Mary's reaction in [Luke 1:29](/luke/1-29 "Luke 1:29 - Mary's Troubled Reaction"), where she was "troubled" by Gabriel's initial, highly honorific greeting, "Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women!" Gabriel's "Fear not" directly addresses her apprehension, preparing her for the extraordinary revelation that follows concerning the virgin conception and the birth of Jesus, as detailed in [Luke 1:31-33](/luke/1-31-33 "Luke 1:31-33 - The Prophecy of Jesus' Birth"). The narrative then unfolds with Mary's humble acceptance and her magnificent song of praise, the Magnificat, in [Luke 1:46-55](/luke/1-46-55 "Luke 1:46-55 - The Magnificat").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Mary was a young, betrothed virgin living in Nazareth, a relatively obscure town in Galilee. In Jewish culture, a betrothal was a binding agreement, almost as serious as marriage itself, making the concept of a pregnancy outside of her betrothed, Joseph, scandalous and potentially life-threatening. Angelic appearances, while recorded in Israel's history, were not commonplace in this period, making Gabriel's sudden presence and direct address an overwhelming and perhaps frightening experience for a humble young woman. The idea of "favour with God" (Hebrew: *chen*, Greek: *charis*) was deeply rooted in the Old Testament, signifying divine election and blessing, often bestowed upon individuals chosen for a special, often challenging, purpose.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:30 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Luke and the broader biblical narrative. It prominently features **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, as God, through His angel, directly intervenes in human affairs to initiate His redemptive plan, choosing an unexpected individual for an unparalleled role. The concept of **Divine Favor (Grace)** is central, emphasizing that Mary's selection was not based on her merit but on God's unmerited, loving kindness, a theme consistently highlighted in Luke's Gospel, particularly concerning the marginalized and humble. Furthermore, the angel's command to **Overcome Fear** is a recurring motif in biblical encounters with the divine, signaling that God's presence, though awe-inspiring, brings peace and reassurance to those He calls, preparing them for monumental tasks, as seen in the broader narrative of [Luke 1](/luke/1 "Luke 1 - The Birth of John and Jesus Foretold").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Greek, _phobéō'_):** This verb (G5399) means "to frighten" or, in the passive voice as used here, "to be alarmed" or "to be in awe of." The imperative "Fear not" (`mḗ phobou`) is a common divine or angelic greeting in Scripture, always preceding a significant revelation or command. It implies a cessation of an existing state of apprehension, indicating that Mary was indeed troubled or afraid, and the angel's first priority was to calm her spirit.
* **Found (Greek, _heurískō'_):** This verb (G2147) means "to find" literally or figuratively, "to get," or "to obtain." In this context, it signifies that Mary has "obtained" or "discovered" a state of favor with God. It's not something she actively sought or earned through her own efforts, but rather a divine reality that has been revealed to her, highlighting God's sovereign initiative in bestowing this favor.
* **Favour (Greek, _cháris'_):** This noun (G5485) is rich in meaning, encompassing "graciousness," "grace," "benefit," or "gift." It denotes God's unmerited, benevolent influence upon the heart, and its reflection in one's life. Here, it signifies God's special, unearned kindness and acceptance towards Mary, making her uniquely suitable for the divine purpose He was about to reveal. This "favour" is synonymous with "grace," underscoring that her selection was entirely a result of God's sovereign choice and loving disposition, not her own worthiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the angel said unto her":** This clause establishes the authoritative source of the message—the angel Gabriel, sent from God—and the specific recipient, Mary, indicating a direct, personal divine communication.
* **"Fear not, Mary":** This is a direct command and a personal address. The imperative "Fear not" serves as an immediate reassurance, acknowledging Mary's troubled state (from [Luke 1:29](/luke/1-29 "Luke 1:29 - Mary's Troubled Reaction")) and seeking to calm her apprehension before delivering the momentous news. The use of her name, "Mary," adds a tender, personal touch, emphasizing the intimate nature of this divine encounter.
* **"for thou hast found favour with God":** This clause provides the crucial reason and foundation for the angel's reassurance. It declares that Mary is in a state of divine favor, chosen by God for a special purpose. This "favour" is not earned but bestowed, highlighting God's sovereign grace and setting the theological premise for the miraculous events that are about to unfold through her.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:30 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, with the angel Gabriel speaking directly to "Mary," creating an intimate and personal tone that immediately draws the reader into the scene. The phrase "Fear not" functions as an **Imperative**, a direct command designed to alleviate Mary's anxiety and prepare her for the astonishing news. This common biblical trope, often found in angelic or divine encounters, serves as a form of **Reassurance** or **Comfort**, signaling that the awe-inspiring presence is benevolent. The declaration that Mary has "found favour with God" is a form of **Divine Affirmation**, validating her person and her role in God's plan. While not explicitly a metaphor, the concept of "favour" here carries deep **Symbolism** of divine election and unmerited grace, foreshadowing the greater grace to be revealed through her Son.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:30 serves as a profound theological statement on God's character and His method of operation. It reveals a God who is intimately involved in human affairs, choosing individuals not based on their worldly status or power, but on His sovereign grace and purpose. Mary's "finding favour" underscores the biblical truth that God often selects the humble and the overlooked for His grandest plans, demonstrating that His power is made perfect in weakness. This divine favor is the precursor to an extraordinary calling, reminding us that God's grace always precedes and enables our service to Him. It also highlights the theme of divine comfort in the face of overwhelming circumstances, assuring us that God's presence dispels fear and empowers us for His will.

The concept of "finding favour with God" is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, illustrating God's sovereign choice and unmerited grace:
* [Genesis 6:8](/genesis/6-8 "Noah Found Favor with the Lord")
* [Exodus 33:17](/exodus/33-17 "Moses Found Favor with God")
* [Judges 6:12](/judges/6-12 "The Angel's Greeting to Gideon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:30 offers timeless encouragement and profound lessons for believers today. Just as Mary was called to a seemingly impossible task, we too may face daunting challenges, unexpected callings, or overwhelming circumstances that stir fear within us. This verse reminds us that God's presence brings peace, and His declaration of "Fear not" is often the prelude to His greatest work in our lives. Mary's "favour with God" was not earned but graciously bestowed, teaching us that our worth and calling are not based on our achievements or perceived inadequacy, but on God's unmerited, loving choice. We are invited to trust God's plan, even when it seems impossible or frightening, knowing that His favor is our foundation. When God calls, He also equips, and His grace is sufficient to enable us to fulfill His purposes, no matter how grand or intimidating they may appear. We can rest in the assurance that if we are "found in favor with God," His power will sustain us through every challenge.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fear not" moments has God spoken into your life, and how did His presence bring peace?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God's unmerited favor rather than your own efforts or perceived worthiness?**
* **How does Mary's response to God's favor encourage you to embrace unexpected or challenging callings in your own life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Mary need to be told "Fear not"?**

Answer: Mary's need for the "Fear not" command stems from the overwhelming nature of the angelic encounter itself, combined with the profound and unprecedented message Gabriel was about to deliver. In [Luke 1:29](/luke/1-29 "Luke 1:29 - Mary's Troubled Reaction"), the text explicitly states she was "troubled" by the angel's initial greeting, which was highly unusual and honorific ("Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women!"). Such a divine visitation would naturally evoke awe, confusion, and even fear in any human being, especially a humble young woman. Furthermore, the subsequent news of a virgin conception (Luke 1:31-35) was not only biologically impossible but also culturally scandalous, potentially jeopardizing her reputation and future. Gabriel's "Fear not" was therefore a necessary and compassionate reassurance, designed to calm her spirit and prepare her heart to receive and believe the extraordinary divine revelation.

**What does it mean to "find favour with God"?**

Answer: To "find favour with God" (Greek: *cháris*) means to be the recipient of God's unmerited, gracious, and benevolent disposition. It signifies that God has chosen to look upon an individual with special kindness, blessing, and acceptance, not because of anything they have earned or deserved, but purely out of His sovereign will and loving nature. In Mary's case, this favor meant she was divinely chosen for the unique and unparalleled role of bearing the Son of God. It highlights God's initiative in selecting humble instruments for His grand purposes, demonstrating that His grace is the foundation for all divine callings. This concept is central to Christian theology, as believers are saved by God's grace through faith, not by works ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:30, with its declaration that Mary "found favour with God," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who is the embodiment and source of all divine favor and grace. While Mary was uniquely favored to bring the Incarnate Word into the world, her favor served as the vessel for the supreme act of God's grace for all humanity. Jesus, the Son of God, is described as being "full of grace and truth" in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), indicating that He is the very essence of God's favor. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus became the means by which all humanity can now "find favour with God." We no longer need a special angelic announcement; instead, through faith in Christ, we are granted access into this grace in which we stand ([Romans 5:1-2](/romans/5-1-2 "Romans 5:1-2 - Peace and Access Through Christ")). Mary's unique favor enabled the Incarnation, but Christ's finished work on the cross extends God's unmerited favor—His saving grace—to everyone who believes, making us co-heirs with Him and children of God. His grace, as [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Grace and Poverty") beautifully states, is our ultimate enrichment.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 1:13

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

Matthew 14:27

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Luke 12:32

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Acts 18:9

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

Acts 18:10

For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.